معرفی
Professor Joseph Webster is a Professor of the Anthropology of Religion at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Divinity, where he has held his position since 2019. He is also a Fellow and Director of Studies in Anthropology at Downing College, Cambridge, and serves as Graduate Tutor at Downing. His academic career bridges anthropology and religious studies, with a particular focus on Protestant communities in Scotland and beyond.
Professor Webster's educational background includes:
- PhD in Social Anthropology (2008-2012), University of Edinburgh
- MScR in Social Anthropology with Distinction (2007-2008), University of Edinburgh
- MA Hons. in Social Anthropology and Sociology with First Class honors (2003-2007), University of Edinburgh
Professor Webster's primary research focuses on the Anthropology of Religion, particularly examining Protestantism in Scotland and the global north. His work explores the intersection of religion, politics, and social identity through ethnographic studies of groups like the Exclusive Brethren and the Orange Order. His research interests span Protestant fundamentalism, millenarian and apocalyptic beliefs, ethno-religious nationalism, unionism, loyalism, fraternity structures, sectarianism, and the relationship between anthropology and theology. He has also conducted significant research on the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, serving as an expert witness to the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee.
Professor Webster's scholarly output reveals consistent focus on religious anthropology, with particular attention to Protestant communities in Scotland. His publications demonstrate expertise in ethnographic methods applied to religious communities, examining how theological beliefs manifest in social practices and political engagement. His work often bridges anthropology and theology, creating innovative interdisciplinary approaches to understanding religious life. The thematic progression shows increasing attention to material religion, eschatology, and the spatial dimensions of religious belief.
Professor Webster has received several prestigious awards for his work:
- Philip Leverhulme Prize (2020) for research on 'The Morality of Millenarianism'
- Teaching and Learning Fellow (2021) by the British Association for the Study of Religion
- Mentoring award for 'concern for professional development' (2024) from the University of Cambridge Research Culture Celebration
As Director of Studies in Anthropology and Graduate Tutor at Downing College, Professor Webster plays a significant role in academic mentoring and student development. He co-founded the Cambridge Anthropology-Theology (CAT) Network in 2021, creating a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue between these fields. His commitment to teaching innovation was recognized with the Teaching and Learning Fellow award, reflecting his dedication to transforming the student learning experience. His mentoring excellence was further acknowledged in 2024 with a specific award for concern for professional development.
Professor Webster co-founded the Cambridge Anthropology-Theology (CAT) Network with Susie Triffitt in 2021, establishing an online seminar series that explores new research dialogues between anthropology and theology. This initiative has created an important interdisciplinary space for scholars working at the intersection of these fields, fostering collaboration and innovative approaches to studying religion.
